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Technical Review December 2020 issue available online

9 December 2020 >

The December 2020 issue of Technical Review is now available online. Articles and abstracts can be viewed individually, or the full issue can be downloaded. The online format of Technical Review allows you to browse the list of the latest articles on grape and wine production by keyword, view article summaries and order journal articles from the AWRI Library.

For copyright reasons, access to abstracts is available only to Australian winemakers and grapegrowers who pay the Wine Grapes or Grape Research levies. The technical notes authored by the AWRI are, however, freely available. If you have forgotten your password for the AWRI website, please use the forgotten password link to reset your password.

Below is a snapshot of what's in this issue:

AWRI Technical Notes
AWRI publications
  • Pre-fermentation water addition to high-sugar Shiraz must: effects on wine composition and sensory properties
  • Identification of flocculant wine yeast strains with improved filtration-related phenotypes through application of high-throughput sedimentation rate assays
  • Discovering the indigenous microbial communities associated with the natural fermentation of sap from the cider gum Eucalyptus gunnii
  • Ask the AWRI: the importance of soil organic matter
  • Chemical and sensory impacts of Accentuated Cut Edges (ACE) grape must polyphenol extraction technique on Shiraz wines
  • Ask the AWRI: indole off-flavour in sparkling wine
  • Comparison of remediation strategies for decreasing ‘reductive’ characters in Shiraz wines
Current literature – oenology
  • Winery sanitation in a covid-19 world: webinar discusses best practices in cellar operations
  • WineEng 2020 survey: automation in the winery
  • Applications of nanotechnology in the winemaking process
  • Evaluating alternatives to cold stabilization in wineries: the use of carboxymethyl cellulose, potassium polyaspartate, electrodialysis and ion exchange resins
  • Sanitization of oak barrels for wine – a review
  • The effect of non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces non-cerevisiae yeasts on ethanol and glycerol levels in wine
  • Classification of smoke contaminated Cabernet Sauvignon berries and leaves based on chemical fingerprinting and machine learning algorithms
  • Food waste to biofertilizer: a potential game changer of global circular agricultural economy
Current literature – viticulture
  • Automatic grapevine trunk detection on UAV-based point cloud
  • Moving forward to sustainable options: the evolution of vineyard trellising and posts
  • The influence of UV on the production of free terpenes in Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz
  • From grape berries to wines: drought impacts on key secondary metabolites
  • Fifteen years of geo-climatic characterisation of Pinot Noir vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula
  • Scott Henry trellising, the way forward?
  • A case study in sustainable vineyard practices: the benefits of rice straw for erosion, natural weed control and reducing irrigation needs
  • The Cypriot indigenous grapevine germplasm is a multi-clonal varietal mixture
  • Effect of preveraison water deficits on the yield components of 15 winegrape cultivars

eNews – November 2020

26 November 2020 >

New agrochemicals app

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia news

Trends in vineyard and winery technologies

New eBook titles available

BMSB information online

Order the latest AWRI staff publications online

Acknowledgements

New agrochemicals app
The AWRI has recently relaunched its agrochemicals app, following a major project merging its databases of agrochemical and MRL information into a single system. The new app, called ‘AWRI Agrochemical and MRL Search’, allows users to perform agrochemical and MRL searches from a single platform. The app is available for free from the Apple and Google app stores. Users of the AWRI’s previous agrochemicals app should remove the old version from their devices as it is no longer supported. For more information, please contact Marcel Essling on 08 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia news

The AWRI, Wine Australia and Australia Grape & Wine have been working closely together over recent months to develop a new annual operating plan (AOP) for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. The AOP sets out the key strategic goals for the program, its key stakeholders and how it maps against the strategic priorities of the three collaborating organisations. More information about the program, including how to join, is available from sustainablewinegrowing.com.au.

The AWRI is also working with several Australian wine regions that have recently been successful in receiving grants to support the adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. McLaren Vale Rutherglen and Yarra Valley all have projects in progress to support Sustainable Winegrowing Australia members to achieve certification.

Trends in vineyard and winery technologies
During the year AWRI Senior Engineer, Dr Simon Nordestgaard has been keeping in touch with the latest trends in vineyard and winery technologies from across the globe and summarising them for an Australian audience. The use of autonomous robots and tractors in vineyards is one area where there is currently a lot of attention, with task-specific robots available as well as autonomy kits that can be retrofitted to existing tractors. In France, a key driver in vineyard robot development appears to be the automation of under-vine mechanical weeding, in response to pressures to minimise herbicide use. Some key recent developments in autonomous robots and tractors internationally are summarised in this article published in Aust. & N.Z. Grapegrower & Winemaker.

In the winery, many common processes are still quite manual, even in large wineries. Fundamentally, this likely relates to the seasonal nature of wine production; all the grapes arrive in a short time period, meaning that many tanks are needed and it is expensive to fit them all with sophisticated instrumentation. However, automation could improve process oversight and the ability to perform some tasks remotely. Two additional articles published this year in Aust. & N.Z. Grapegrower & Winemaker are available – one reviewing alternative technologies for level measurement and managing wine transfers and one on continuous processes in wineries.

New eBook titles available

A range of new titles have recently been added to the AWRI’s Grape and Wine eBook Collection. Highlights include the new Halliday Wine Companion, a revised version of Ron Jackson’s vine to glass handbook on Wine Science: Principles and Applications, Isabelle Legeron’s fresh take on Natural Wine and Robert Walters’ myth busting look at Champagne: A Secret History.

The full collection is accessible from the eBook Collection page. Access is reserved for Australian growers and winemakers who pay the Grape Research or Winegrape levy. Existing AWRI account holders need only sign in. Eligible new users should register for an account. For further information about the eBook collection or help with other library services and resources please contact the AWRI information services team.

BMSB information online
Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), commonly known as BMSB, has been identified as a serious biosecurity risk to Australia because of its potential to cause damage to a wide range of crops, including wine-grapes. The AWRI helpdesk team has recently collated the latest information about BMSB on a series of new pages on the AWRI website, covering the characteristics of BMSB, monitoring, management and symptoms of damage. Check out the new BMSB pages to stay aware of this biosecurity threat. Any possible sightings of BMSB (or any other exotic pest) in the vineyard or in goods received from overseas should be reported to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Order the latest AWRI staff publications online

Accessing the latest AWRI publications is easy. Visit the AWRI Publications web page to:

  • View the 10 most recent AWRI staff publications and order the articles online from the AWRI Library
  • Search the staff publications database
  • Read the full-text of ‘Technical Notes’ from Technical Review (PDF format)
  • Read the full-text of ‘AWRI reports’ and ‘Vineyards of the world columns’ published in Wine & Viticulture Journal (PDF format)
  • Read the full text of ‘Ask the AWRI columns’ published in Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker

The AWRI’s most recent publications are listed below.

2184 Varela, C., Bartel, C., Nandorfy, D.E., Borneman, A., Schmidt, S., Curtin, C. Identification of flocculant wine yeast strains with improved filtration-related phenotypes through application of high-throughput sedimentation rate assays. Sci. Rep. 10: 2738; 2020.

2185 Varela, C., Sundstrom, J., Cuijvers, K., Jiranek, V., Borneman, A. Discovering the indigenous microbial communities associated with the natural fermentation of sap from the cider gum Eucalytpus gunnii. Sci. Rep. 10: 14716; 2020.

2186 Nordestgaard, S. Autonomous vineyard robots and tractors. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (680): 50-52, 54-60, 62, 64, 66-67; 2020.

2187 Essling, M. Ask the AWRI: The importance of soil organic matter. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (680): 82-83; 2020.

2188 Smart, R., Bruer, D., Collins, C., Karantonis, C., Lockshin, L., Muhlack, R., Oemcke, D., Pike, B., Wilkes, E. Towards Australian grape and wine industry carbon neutrality… the possible dream. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (680): 100, 102-105; 2020.

2189 Kang, W., Bindon, K.A., Wang, X., Muhlack, R.A., Smith, P.A., Niimi, J., Bastian, S.E.P. Chemical and sensory impacts of Accentuated Cut Edges (ACE) grape must polyphenol extraction technique on Shiraz wines. Foods 9(8): 1027; 2020.

2190 Onetto, C.A., Schmidt, S.A., Roach, M.J., Borneman, A.R. Comparative genome analysis proposes three new Aureobasidium species isolated from grape juice. FEMS Yeast Res. 20(6): foaa052; 2020.

2191 Pearson, W., Schmidtke, L.M., Francis, I.L., Carr, B.T., Blackman, J.W. Characterising inter- and intra-regional variation in sensory profiles of Australian Shiraz wines from six regions. Aust. J. Grape Wine Res. 26(4): 372-384; 2020.

2192 Coulter, A., Cowey, G., Essling, M., Hoare, T., Holdstock, M., Longbottom, M., Simos, C., Krstic, M. Vintage – observations from the AWRI helpdesk. Wine Vitic. J. 35(4): 39-41; 2020.

2193 Cowey, G. Ask the AWRI: Indole off-flavour in sparkling wine. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (681): 46-47; 2020.

2194 Bekker, M.Z., Nandorfy, D.E., Kulcsar, A.C., Faucon, A., Bindon, K., Smith, P.A. Comparison of remediation strategies for decreasing ‘reductive’ characters in Shiraz wines. Aust. J. Grape Wine Res. doi: 10.1111/ajgw.12459; 2020.

2195 Cordingly, B. Ask the AWRI: Sparkling wine gushing: not a cause for celebration. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (682): 42-43; 2020.

2196 Haddad, P.R., Taraji, M., Szücs, R. Prediction of analyte retention time in liquid chromatography. Analyt. Chem. DOI:10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04190; 2020.

2197 Essling, M., McKay, S., Petrie, P.R. Fungicide programs used to manage powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) in Australian vineyards. Crop Prot. 139: 105369; 2021.

Acknowledgements

The AWRI acknowledges support from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body, Wine Australia, with matching funds from the Australian Government. The AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, South Australia.

Bacillus thuringiensis provides a late-season fall armyworm control option

24 November 2020 >

The eBulletin issued on 6 November 2020 listed products under permit for control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Table 1 has now been updated to include insecticides registered for use in vineyards that contain the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) subspecies aizawai or kurstaki. The Bt products listed in Table 1 have armyworm (Spodoptera spp.) on the label and would most likely kill larvae of fall armyworm, especially if applied when larvae are small. The Bt products may be used until harvest.

The efficacy of the different Bt strains against fall armyworm depends on the type of toxins the strains produce. Research indicates that the aizawai strain provides better control of fall armyworm than the kurstaki strain.

Fall armyworm has a reputation for developing resistance to insecticides. If fall armyworm is found in the vineyard, a program of control that uses several activity groups over the control period is needed. Resistance management strategies will be required to maintain effectiveness of insecticides for controlling this pest.

For more information please contact Marcel Essling on 08 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.

Table 1. Chemical control options for fall armyworm in wine-grape production.

Fall armyworm
Active constituent Activity group Some registered products Restriction on use for export wine Permit number
methomyl

1A

 Electra 225, KDpc Metho, Landrin 225, Lannate L, Lymo 225, Methomyl (225, 225 SL), Nudrin 225, Pirate, Seneca (Ultra 400SP), Sinmas 225 Not recommended on grapes destined for export wine. Contact your winery prior to any methomyl application. 89293
chlorantraniliprole

28

 Altacor Hort Use no later than E-L 25, 80% capfall. 89259
spinetoram

5

 Delegate Use no later than E-L 31, berries pea-size (not > 7 mm diameter). 89241
spinosad

5

 Entrust Organic 89870
emamectin

6

 Energise, Proclaim, Proclaim Opti, Warlock Use no later than E-L 31, berries pea-size (not > 7 mm diameter) AND do not use within 56 days of harvest. 89263
indoxacarb

22A

 Avatar, Incarnate 300 WG, Indoxacarb 300WG, Lepta 300 WG, Persona 300 WG, Spymaster 300WG 89278
Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai 11 Bacchus WG May be used until harvest
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki 11 Delfin, DiPel DF

This information is provided to inform the Australian grape and wine sector and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product.

References

Hardke, J.T., Rogers Leonard, B., Huanga, F., Jackson, R.E. 2011. Damage and survivorship of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on transgenic field corn expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins. Crop Prot. 30(2): 168-172.

Hercos Valicente, F., Augustode, E., Picoli, T., Vilaçade Vasconcelos, M. J., Portilho Carneiro, N., Almeida Carneiro, A., Teixeira Guimarães, C., Lana, U.G. 2010. Molecular characterization and distribution of Bacillus thuringiensis cry1 genes from Brazilian strains effective against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Biol. Control 53 (3): 360-366.

Wang, Y., Wang, J., Fu, X., Nageotte, J.R., Silverman, J., Bretsnyder, E.C., Chen, D., Rydel, T.J., Bean, G.J., Li, K.S., Kraft, E., Gowda, A., Nance, A., Moore, R.G., Pleau, M.J., Milligan, J.S., Anderson, H.M., Asiimwe, P., Evans, A., Moar, W.J., Martinelli, S., Head, G.P., Haas, J.A., Baum, J.A., Yang, F., Kerns, D.L., Jerga, A. 2019. Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Da_7 and Cry1B.868 protein interactions with novel receptors allow control of resistant fall armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 85(16): 1-15.

New agrochemical app and online search facility

13 November 2020 >

The AWRI has recently completed a project to update and merge its databases of agrochemical and MRL information into a single system. This change has improved the functionality of the AWRI’s online search facility and agrochemical mobile apps – making it possible to perform agrochemical and MRL searches from a single platform.

Users of the AWRI’s previous agrochemicals app should remove the old version from their devices as it is no longer supported and download the new app, called ‘AWRI Agrochemical and MRL Search’ from the Apple and Google app stores. The app is free to download and versions are available for both iOS and Android devices.

The AWRI agrochemicals and MRL online search facility and agrochemicals & MRL app allow users to rapidly access information contained in the current issue of the Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture booklet (often called the ‘Dog book’). These tools also contain additional information derived from the AWRI database; that is, they allow the user to search for products registered for use on targets that are not listed in the ‘Dog book’.

Tap or scan the QR codes below to access the app in the app store.


iOS devices
Android devices

The AWRI agrochemicals and MRL online search facility and agrochemicals & MRL app allow users to rapidly access information contained in the current issue of the Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture booklet (often called the ‘Dog book’). These tools also contain additional information derived from the AWRI database; that is, they allow the user to search for products registered for use on targets that are not listed in the ‘Dog book’.

For more information, please contact Marcel Essling on 08 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.

Agrochemical update November 2020

6 November 2020 >

Fall armyworm control options

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly invasive pest that was detected in north Queensland in January 2020. It has the capacity to travel long distances relatively quickly and has recently been found in NSW.

A detailed description of fall armyworm and the biosecurity implications of this pest is available in this bulletin from Vinehealth Australia.

While fall armyworm feeds preferentially on grass-type crops, many plants are susceptible, including horticultural crops. There is potential for fall armyworm to spread into grapegrowing regions; however, the development and behaviour of this insect in vineyards is not yet known.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has a broad range of chemical classes listed under permit for use against fall armyworm in grape production (shown in Table 1 below, along with the recommended restriction on use for export wine).

Prior to applying a chemical treatment, growers are required to regularly scout crops to monitor for eggs and larvae. Treatments should be applied when pests appear, targeting eggs at the time of hatching or small larvae (prior to third instar stage) before the pest becomes entrenched. Permits should be read and instructions followed prior to spraying.

For more information please contact Marcel Essling on 08 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.

This information is provided to inform the Australian grape and wine sector and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product.

Table 1. Chemical control options for fall armyworm in wine-grape production.

Fall armyworm
Active constituent Activity group Some registered products Restriction on use for export wine Permit number
methomyl 1A Electra 225, KDpc Metho, Landrin 225, Lannate L, Lymo 225, Methomyl (225, 225 SL), Nudrin 225, Pirate, Seneca (Ultra 400SP), Sinmas 225 Not recommended on grapes destined for export wine. Contact your winery prior to any methomyl application. 89293
chlorantraniliprole 28 Altacor Hort Use no later than E-L 25, 80% capfall. 89259
spinetoram 5 Delegate Use no later than E-L 31, berries pea-size (not > 7 mm diameter). 89241
spinosad 5 Entrust Organic 89870
emamectin 6 Energise, Proclaim, Proclaim Opti, Warlock Use no later than E-L 31, berries pea-size (not > 7 mm diameter) AND do not use within 56 days of harvest. 89263
indoxacarb 22A Avatar, Incarnate 300 WG, Indoxacarb 300WG, Lepta 300 WG, Persona 300 WG, Spymaster 300WG 89278

Technical Review October 2020 issue available online

7 October 2020 >

The October 2020 issue of Technical Review is now available online. Articles and abstracts can be viewed individually, or the full issue can be downloaded. The online format of Technical Review allows you to browse the list of the latest articles on grape and wine production by keyword, view article summaries and order journal articles from the AWRI Library.

For copyright reasons, access to abstracts is available only to Australian winemakers and grapegrowers who pay the Wine Grapes or Grape Research levies. The technical notes authored by the AWRI are, however, freely available. If you have forgotten your password for the AWRI website, please use the forgotten password link to reset your password.

Below is a snapshot of what's in this issue:

AWRI Technical Notes
AWRI publications
  • Inspirations from the past and opportunities for the future. Part 3: Volume measurement, product movements and gas adjustment
  • Virus pathogens in Australian vineyards with an emphasis on Shiraz disease
  • Ask the AWRI: DMDC – an insurance policy
  • Uptake and glycosylation of smoke-derived volatile phenols by Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and their subsequent fate during winemaking
  • Preliminary study of Australian Pinot Noir wines by colour and volatile analyses, and the Pivot© Profile method using wine professionals
  • Targeted gene deletion in Brettanomyces bruxellensis with an expression-free CRISPR-Cas9 system
Current literature – oenology
  • The route of mycotoxins in the grape food chain
  • Pulsed light: challenges of a non-thermal sanitation technology in the winemaking industry
  • Influence of skin contact and different extractants on extraction of proteins and phenolic substances in Sauvignon Blanc grape skin
  • An application of dynamic programming to assign pressing tanks at wineries
  • Non-Saccharomyces in winemaking: source of mannoproteins, nitrogen, enzymes, and antimicrobial compounds
  • A new approach to the reduction of alcohol content in red wines: the use of high-power ultrasounds
  • COVID-19 and global beverage markets: impacts on Australian wine industry
  • Recovery of olfactory capacity following a COVID-19 infection
Current literature – viticulture
  • Hierarchical modelling partitions variation in vineyard fruit maturity for optimal sampling
  • Effect of frost injury on Pinot Noir
  • Day temperature has a stronger effect than night temperature on anthocyanin and flavonol accumulation in ‘Merlot’ (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes during ripening
  • Post‐budburst hand finishing of winter spur pruning can delay technological ripening without altering phenolic maturity of Merlot berries
  • To thin or not to thin?
  • Grapevine trunk diseases in German viticulture IV. Spreading of spores of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora in Esca-affected vineyards
  • Arinto thriving in the hot, dry conditions of South Australia’s Riverland
  • Fungus-resistant grapes are on the rise
  • Using satellite thermal-based evapotranspiration time series for defining management zones and spatial association to local attributes in a vineyard

Results from AWRI Board election

15 September 2020 >

An election was recently held for positions on the AWRI Board in the small, medium and large levy payer categories. Eight candidates nominated for election in the small category and two candidates nominated in each of the medium and large levy payer categories. The AWRI is pleased to announce that the successful candidates are:

  • Corrina Wright from Oliver’s Taranga in the small levy payer category
  • Brett McClen from Brown Family Wine Group in the medium levy payer category
  • Nigel Sneyd MW from Accolade Wines in the large levy payer category.

Corrina Wright is winemaker and director at the helm of sixth generation family business, Oliver’s Taranga in McLaren Vale. She was awarded the ASVO Winemaker of the Year 2019 for her contribution to the wine community. She graduated from the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial in 2005 and continues to judge and chair numerous wine shows around Australia. Corrina has served on the boards of the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine & Tourism Association, the Australian Society of Viticulture & Oenology, Family Business Australia, and the Winemakers Federation of Australia and is currently part of the Australian Women in Wine Awards advisory board.

Brett McClen is Chief Viticulturist for Brown Family Wine Group. In this role he oversees all the company’s grapegrowing and sourcing functions, responsible for 830 ha of vineyards located across the Murray Valley, King Valley, Heathcote and Tasmania. Brett has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He has served two terms as a Director of the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology.

Nigel Sneyd (MW) is Global Director of Wine and Quality for Accolade Wines. Prior to taking up that role, he enjoyed a 15-year career with E&J Gallo, where he oversaw the company’s international winemaking operations before being appointed a Director of Winemaking in California. Prior to working at Gallo, Nigel was the Director of Domaine de la Baume in France and later director of a negociant business specialising in high-end appellation wines from the Languedoc. Nigel completed his first Oenology degree at Charles Sturt University in Australia and his second at the Université de Dijon in France where he obtained his Diplôme National d’Oenologue as Dux of his year. He completed his Masters of Business Administration shortly before leaving Australia for France in 1994.

All three Directors will commence their elected term on 1 January 2021. The terms of outgoing Board members, Wendy Cameron and Iain Jones, will conclude on 31 December 2020. The AWRI thanks Wendy and Iain for their significant contributions over the last three years.

Uncovering the science of Indigenous fermentation

10 September 2020 >

Australian wine scientists are shedding scientific light on the processes underlying traditional practices of Australian Aboriginal people to produce fermented beverages. The scientists from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) have discovered the complex microbial communities associated with the natural fermentation of sap from the iconic Tasmanian cider gum, Eucalyptus gunnii.

eNews – September 2020

9 September 2020 >

Vote now in the AWRI Board election!

Gingin Chardonnay mystery solved

New Business Development Manager

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia update

Flotation: from mining to water to the wine industry

Upcoming events and webinars

Order the latest AWRI staff publications online

Acknowledgements

Vote now in the AWRI Board election!
Voting is closing soon in the AWRI Board elections, with the poll closing at 5:00 pm CST on Friday, 11 September. In this year’s election, candidates are standing in the small, medium and large levy payer categories, which means all wine grapes levy payers are eligible to vote for their preferred candidate. The voting process in online and easy to complete. Voting instructions, candidate profiles and further information are available from the AWRI website or by contacting Shiralee Dodd, the Returning Officer, at returningofficer@awri.com.au. Voting in the AWRI Board election is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the Australian grape and wine research and development agenda and ensure the AWRI is in safe hands.

Gingin Chardonnay mystery solved

The AWRI recently published a paper that puts to rest the mystery of the Gingin Chardonnay clone. For many years, the origin of this popular Western Australian Chardonnay clone has been hotly debated. Gingin was believed by some to be derived from the same source material as a clone known as Old Foundation Block (OF) Chardonnay, but was also commonly thought of as being the same as another clone with similar traits called Mendoza.

Results from the new genomics research have revealed that all three clones have a shared heritage, in an old Californian source block at UC Davis. They are, however, quite distinct from each other. In particular, Gingin and Mendoza are as different from each other as they are from any of the other clonal selections of Chardonnay, despite their shared origins.

This work has not only solved a decades-old mystery – it represents a significant leap forward for grapevine genomics and demonstrates that a great deal more is possible beyond simply confirming grape variety. The panel of clonal markers identified for Chardonnay will be useful for verification of planting material by nurseries and vineyard owners and for targeted importation of clones not currently available in Australia. The work also forms a foundation for identifying clonal markers in other grape varieties and potentially other crops. The full paper detailing these results is accessible from the AWRI library: Roach, M.J., Borneman, A.R., Schmidt, S.A. 2020. Origin of Chardonnay clones with historical significance in Australia and California. Aust. J. Grape Wine Res. doi: 10.1111/ajgw.12448.

New Business Development Manager
Last month the AWRI welcomed Dr Tony Robinson into the role of Business Development Manager. Tony is well known to many in our industry from his longstanding involvement with the ASVO (including as ASVO President) and with the AWITC. Tony brings to the AWRI a wealth of commercial experience across viticulture, winemaking and wine business operations. Prior to accepting this role, he was working as Chief Operating Officer for Y-Group in WA, and before that he held the role of Grape and Wine Innovation Specialist at Treasury Wine Estates. Tony holds a PhD in Oenology from Murdoch University and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Horticulture and Viticulture from the Universities of Western Australia and Adelaide. More information about Tony can be found in this media release.

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia – update on trust mark and research projects
The Australian grape and wine industry’s sustainability program, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is growing strongly, with more than 100 new members having joined the program since 1 July 2020. Queries about the program are also increasing, including from other sectors interested in learning from the grape and wine industry’s experience and expertise.

The AWRI recently partnered with NAB and the Queensland University of Technology on a Food Agility Cooperative Research Centre project investigating ways of linking sustainability metrics to financial performance. An article from NAB about the economic importance of natural assets, which includes some findings from that project, is available online here.

Members who have not yet submitted their membership data and workbook for 2019-20 are asked to log in to the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia website and complete their data entry as soon as possible. Data from all members is required to enable the review of the regional and national datasets and preparation of benchmarking reports. Support for members is available from the AWRI helpdesk on 08 8313 6600 or helpdesk@awri.com.au.

Flotation: from mining to water to the wine industry

Flotation is a technique that has resulted in important efficiency improvements, not just in wineries, but also in minerals processing and wastewater treatment. Flotation was used in minerals processing first, but wine industry flotation techniques have much more in common with techniques used for wastewater clarification, and it is from that sector where flotation crossed to the wine sector and took hold. Water and wine industry flotation are primarily about clarification, with the valuable product being the clarified juice or water underneath the floating solids, while in the mining sector, the valuable minerals are often collected in the floats. AWRI Senior Engineer Simon Nordestgaard recently published an article in Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower & Winemaker that includes information on the history and adoption of flotation, which can be viewed here.

Upcoming events and webinars

With travel restrictions still in place across much of Australia, the AWRI events team is continuing to present a range of virtual events, including tastings. Chardonnay winemaking trial workshops have been successfully held via video conference in Stanthorpe and Mudgee in recent weeks and will continue across NSW/ACT in September. At the same time, seven new webinars have been scheduled, taking the program through until January 2021. Upcoming webinar topics include the impact of COVID-19 and other geopolitical factors on Australia’s wine exports, water addition to must and drivers of regional character in Pinot Noir. For all the details of upcoming events and webinars, visit the AWRI events calendar.

Order the latest AWRI staff publications online

Accessing the latest AWRI publications is easy. Visit the AWRI Publications web page to:

  • View the 10 most recent AWRI staff publications and order the articles online from the AWRI Library
  • Search the staff publications database
  • Read the full-text of ‘Technical Notes’ from Technical Review (PDF format)
  • Read the full-text of ‘AWRI reports’ and ‘Vineyards of the world columns’ published in Wine & Viticulture Journal (PDF format)
  • Read the full text of ‘Ask the AWRI columns’ published in Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker

The AWRI’s most recent publications are listed below.

2162 Day, M., Bindon, K., Capone, D., Kassara, S., Bilogrevic, E., Espinase Nandorfy, D., Watson, F., Francis, L., Krstic, M. Going green with whole bunches. Wine Vitic. J. 35(2): 29-30; 2020.

2163 Dry, P. Carignan. Wine Vitic. J. 35(2): p. 50; 2020.

2164 Godden, P. Ask the AWRI: Pre-fermentation skin contact. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (676): 52-53; 2020.

2165 Nordestgaard, S. Inspirations from the past and opportunities for the future. Part 1: Cross-flow filtration and flotation. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (676): 58-63; 2020.

2166 Visalakshan, R.M., González García, L.E., Benzigar, M.R., Ghazaryan, A., Simon, J., Mierczynska-Vasilev, A., Michl, T.D., Vinu, A., Mailänder, V., Morsbach, S., Landfester, K., Vasilev, K. The influence of nanoparticle shape on protein corona formation. Small 2000285; 2020.

2167 Longbottom, M. Ask the AWRI: Understanding the factors that influence grapevine yield. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (677): 34-35; 2020.

2168 Nordestgaard, S. Inspirations from the past and opportunities for the future. Part 2: In-tank fermentation monitoring and continuous processes. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (677): 50-56; 2020.

2169 Pereira-Caro, G., Gaillet, S., Mena, P., Bresciani, L., Bindon, K.A., Del Rio, D., Rouanet, J-M., Moreno-Rojas, J.M., Crozier, A. Bioavailability of red wine and grape seed proanthocyanidins in rats. Food Funct. 11: 3986-4001; 2020.

2170 Hixson, J., Bilogrevic, E., Capone, D., Nandorfy, D.E., Francis, L., Petrie, P., Solomon, M., Krstic, M. Enhancing tropical fruit flavour in Chardonnay and Shiraz through foliar nutrient sprays. Wine Vitic. J. 35(3): 30-33; 2020.

2171 Cuijvers, K., Van Den Heuvel, S., Varela, C., Rullo, M., Solomon, M., Schmidt, S., Borneman, A. Alterations in yeast species composition of uninoculated wine ferments by the addition of sulphur dioxide. Fermentation 6(2): 62; 2020.

2172 Cowey, G. Ask the AWRI: Amber wine. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (678): 49-50; 2020.

2173 Nordestgaard, S. Inspirations from the past and opportunities for the future. Part 3: Volume measurement, product movements and gas adjustment. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (678): 66-68, 70-71; 2020.

2174 Roach, M.J., Borneman, A.R., Schmidt, S.A. Origin of Chardonnay clones with historical significance in Australia and California. Aust. J. Grape Wine Res. doi:10.1111/ajgw.12448: 1-5; 2020.

2175 Wu, Q., Habili, N., Constable, F., Al Rwahnih, M., Goszczynski, D.E., Wang, Y., Pagay, V. Virus pathogens in Australian vineyards with an emphasis on Shiraz disease. Viruses 12: 818; 2020.

2176 Coulter, A. Ask the AWRI: DMDC – an insurance policy. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (679): 52-53; 2020.

2177 Moate, P.J., Jacobs, J.L., Hixson, J.L., Deighton, M.H., Hannah, M.C., Morris, G.L., Ribaux, B.E., Wales, W.J., Williams, S.R.O. Effects of feeding either red or white grape marc on milk production and methane emissions from early-lactation dairy cows. Animals 10(6): 976; 2020.

2178 Szeto, C., Ristic, R., Capone, D., Puglisi, C., Pagay, V., Culbert, J., Jiang, W-W., Herderich, M., Tuke, J., Wilkinson, K. Uptake and glycosylation of smoke-derived volatile phenols by Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and their subsequent fate during winemaking. Molecules 25(16): 3720; 2020.

2179 Longo, R., Pearson, W., Merry, A., Solomon, M., Nicolotti, L., Westmore, H., Dambergs, R., Kerslake, F. Preliminary study of Australian Pinot noir wines by colour and volatile analyses, and the Pivot© Profile method using wine professionals. Foods 9(9): 1142; 2020.

2180 Dry, P. Arinto de Bucelas. Wine Vitic. J. 35(3): 59; 2020.

2181 Xing, F., Gao, D., Liu, H., Wang, H., Habili, N., Li, S. Molecular characterization and pathogenicity analysis of prunus necrotic ringspot virus iolates from China rose (Rosa chinensis Jacq.). Arch. Virol. doi:10.1007/s00705-020-04739-8: 2020.

2182 Varela, C., Bartel, C., Onetto, C., Borneman, A. Targeted gene deletion in Brettanomyces bruxellensis with an expression-free CRIPR-Cas9 system. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 104: 7105-7115: 2020.

2183 Teng, B., Petrie, P.R., Nandorfy, D.E., Smith, P., Bindon, K. Pre-fermentation water addition to high-sugar Shiraz must: effects on wine composition and sensory properties. Foods 9(9): 1193; 2020.

Acknowledgements

The AWRI acknowledges support from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body, Wine Australia, with matching funds from the Australian Government. The AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, South Australia.